Light Scattering Optical Element for Uniform Edge-Lit Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge lit light fixtures struggle to achieve uniform lighting distributions, particularly in non-normal orientations, which is essential for various illumination applications, and often require complex designs and multiple light sources to achieve desired light distributions.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical element with specific cross-sectional height, optical haze, clarity, and light scattering properties that allows for tailored light distributions, enabling compact and efficient edge lit constructions suitable for linear lighting fixtures, and the use of adjustable LED light sources and reflective surfaces to dynamically control light output characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional edge lit light fixtures use multiple light sources or complex designs to achieve uniform lighting distribution, then the lighting uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the cross-sectional height of the optical element and its optical properties (haze, clarity, light scattering angle) to achieve uniform batwing light distribution. By adjusting these parameters, the system obtains desired lighting uniformity without requiring multiple light sources or complex designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical element as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the environment. This optical element with specific scattering properties serves as a mediator that transforms the light from the LED into the desired uniform batwing distribution, simplifying the overall system design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light fixtures use multiple light sources to achieve desired light distributions, then the lighting performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optical element universal by designing it to produce multiple light distribution patterns (symmetric batwing, asymmetric batwing, wall washing, cove lighting) through controlled light scattering. This multi-functional optical element replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different light distribution patterns by changing the optical parameters of the single optical element, including its cross-sectional height, haze level, clarity, and light scattering angle, rather than using multiple light sources with different configurations.
3Volume of moving object
If compact form factors with narrow width are realized using single edge lit constructions, then the fixture size reduces, but the lighting uniformity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains lighting uniformity in compact fixtures by precisely controlling the optical parameters of the optical element, particularly the cross-sectional height and light scattering angle. These parameter optimizations ensure uniform batwing distribution is achieved even within narrow width constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element acts as an intermediary that enables compact form factors to achieve uniform lighting. Its specific optical properties compensate for the reduced size, allowing the narrow fixture to produce the desired uniform light distribution that would typically require larger configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the design of lighting assemblies, reduces the need for multiple light sources, and allows for customizable light distributions, achieving uniform and efficient lighting in various applications such as downlighting, uplighting, wall washing, and ambient lighting with a single edge lit construction.
Implementation Method 1
An optical element with configured cross sectional height and properties such as optical haze, clarity and light scattering angle is disclosed which produces tailored light distributions
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element with light scattering properties is configured for use in a light fixture or lighting module. When used in combination with a reflector or reflective surface proximate to an output face, the optical element can provide a range of non-Lambertian light distributions in alternative embodiments. The optical element utilizes combinations of dispersed light scattering particles and/or surface features to selectively scatter, disperse and internally reflect light. Using such optical arrangements it is possible to create light distributions with a single or multiple lobes or peak intensities and to control the position and shape of light distributions. The optical element is particularly suitable in low profile edge lit lighting assemblies used in indoor lighting products such as suspended, surface or recessed mounted linear light fixtures, ceiling mounted downlights, cove lights, and light fixtures for wall washing or perimeter lighting.